London is a city constantly re-inventing itself, but every now and then there's a window on to the past. It might be a washed-out advert painted on a wall, a plaque, an architectural quirk or elaborate man-hole cover - all worth recording before they are finally removed or hidden.
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Friday, 21 May 2010

The Greenwich Burton Bags A Brace

Some time ago I came across the phenomena of the Burton's commemorative granite plaque. This item was to be found wherever Montague Burton opened a branch of his gentleman's Tailor's and for some reason always seemed to be laid by a member of his direct family. I was so intrigued by this I even wrote about the practice on this blog . I had originally found plaques laid by Lady Montague Burton and her sons Arnold & Stanley and ended it with the prophetic words

I hope to find some inscriptions from Barbara and Raymond as well as from Montague himself in order to complete the set and with over 600 potential sites I'm sure it won't take too long.

Well last week, on the way back from the Greenwich Observatory, I hit the jackpot. Not quite the full house but getting there as I bagged both Barbara and Raymond to add to the tally. *

Of course it was pure luck, as these things often are and it was only when the distinctive Scottish granite caught my eye that I realised the coffee shop on the corner was actually an ex-Burton's. I was pleased to spot first one, then a second plaque but also had the bonus of a very attractive floor mosaic as well.

That seemed to be good enough but after crossing the road and heading toward the railway station I realised that the old shop had extended around the corner and that there was yet another plaque and mosaic needing recording. Over I went for another quick look and another photo...

For those in the area the shop lies on the corner of Nelson Road and Greenwich High Road and it's nice to see that these particular memorials have been left undisturbed and in place. With Barbara and Raymond I think all I need is one from Montague himself and I'll have the full set!

Raymond was one of the Burton twins, along with brother Arnold

Barbara was the only Burton daughter

The two entrance mosaics, one in each street. I suppose these would be regarded as late examples of the shop mosaic art but I find them quite attractive in their own way. I particularly like the design of the 'O' in 'Tailor Of Taste' - but then I'm easily pleased...

*Of course having checked back on my original post I now notice that Sebastien Ardouinactually mentions these mosaics and plaques in the comments section. Still, they don't really count in the 'Faded London' universe until I spot them myself and as I came across them unintentionally I can put this down to fate and a happy coincidence rather than the chasing up of a kind lead!

While I had the camera out this old painted street sign also caught my eye. There are quite a few of these about but they still seem worthy of recording. I might well collect enough to make a posting about them but until then here is the Prince of Orange Lane acting as a trailer for the main event...

Just stumbled upon your blog. Might be of interedt to you- My father (deceased) was the manager of Montague Burton - The Tailor of taste- in Slough high street. He started in 1938 as a floor boy, and worked until he went off to war (North Africa/Europe). His job was held for him for when he returned. He worked for Burton's for a further twenty five years. I remember very well sitting in the stockroom as a schoolgirlwaiting for him to finish work so that we could walk home together. Thank you for the memoryAnnie

Welcome!

I hope you enjoy the opportunity to have a slightly closer look at some of those items of 'street furniture' that are often overlooked, especially if you live in the South West part of London. My real interest are those faded advertisement and shop names that used to proliferate on the sides of buildings and which are now faded and peeling and only rarely glimpsed peeking out from behind their modern replacements. But it doesn't do to be too selective so I'm happy to include anything odd, old or quirky that catches my eye!

Ghost Signs of South West London - The Map (I recommend you use the 'View Larger Map' button below)